Athletics

Matilda Wanless, Class of 2025, Plenty Campus

On Wednesday the 10 September, athletes from both Plenty Campus and Ridgeway Campus came together to compete in the 2025 AGSV Athletics Championships. This annual event brings together nine grammar schools from across Victoria, competing for the premiership title. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams gave it their all, with the boys finishing 3rd and the girls placing 5th. These combined results led Ivanhoe Grammar School to finish as the highest-placing school overall—an outstanding achievement.

It was incredible to watch everyone compete, whether they were jumping, throwing or running and the atmosphere on the day was electric, with everyone getting behind each other. A personal highlight was spending the day with other Year 12s and running the relay with them one last time. Although it is bittersweet knowing it was my final competition representing Ivanhoe Grammar School, I could not have asked for a better day or a more supportive group of people to share it with. I am excited to see how the team performs in the future, especially with so much talent coming through in the younger years.

Water Polo

Hannah Borschmann, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

This water polo season was an exceptional one for our girls’ teams, filled with hard work, progress, and memorable moments in and out of the pool. Both the Junior and Firsts Teams showed what can happen when talent meets teamwork and commitment. The junior girls were the standout story of the season, going undefeated from start to finish, as well as consistently developing skills and confidence in games along the way. Every game showed their growing teamwork, from smart passes to strong defensive plays. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and support one another through tough moments was impressive and reflected in the scoreboard. The unbeaten streak was well‑earned and reflected their determination at training and on game day.

The Firsts Team also had a fantastic season, finishing second overall in a very competitive league. They played some brilliant water polo against top oppositions, only falling short in a few games against Caulfield and Wesley. Those tougher matches tested our resilience and brought us together as a team. Our teamwork, leadership, and positive spirit made them one of the best teams Ivanhoe Grammar School has fielded in recent years.

Beyond the results, this season was about growth and pride. The friendships formed, the laughs shared during training, and the confidence gained will stay with us long after the final whistle. Coaches, families, and supporters all played a huge part in creating an environment where the girls could thrive and enjoy their sport. Ivanhoe Grammar School should be proud of what our teams achieved this year. The juniors’ undefeated record and the Firsts’ near‑top finish show that the future of girls’ water polo is bright.

Bentley Crisp, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

This year’s boys’ water polo season, led by captain Matthew Golding, was one of a surprise but also a touch of disappointment. There were some great games in the home and away season, with an 11-9 win against Camberwell Boys Grammar and a 11-4 win over Trinity Grammar. However, we faced a big loss of 4-17 against Melbourne High School. Despite the loss, we still managed to qualify for the semi-finals and won our match against Camberwell to cement our spot in the grand final against Melbourne High. Sadly, despite the score being level at half time and some amazing water polo being played, minor mistakes throughout the game led to a grand final loss for the boys of 7-13. Even though there was a sad end to a great year for the boys, there is plenty of promise for future years ahead of us.

Our season included stand out grand final performance from Year 9 student Leo Briganti scoring 4 goals, as well as home and away stand out performances from Year 9 student Leon Vidal scoring 3 goals, my self with 4 goals against Trinity and consistent high defensive pressure from Matthew and Tommy Golding all year. In addition, a massive congratulations to all the students from the side who were named in the AGSV Representative Team who took on APS, Matthew Golding, Leon Vidal, Leo Briganti and Anthony Rigopoulos making the final playing side and myself as emergency. Overall, a great year for the boys, and they hope to see a few faces at the games next year.

Snowsports

Vaughan Joslyn, Class of 2025, Plenty Campus

I had an incredible experience competing in the Australian Interschool Snowsports Competition. I took part in the Giant Downhill Slalom event, which was pretty challenging but exciting. I was proud to receive a gold medal for my performance, and even more thrilled to qualify for the National Championships. It was a great opportunity to push myself, represent Ivanhoe Grammar School and have fun doing something I love.

The Snowsports program at Ivanhoe Grammar School has been a fantastic part of my school experience. It is great being able to combine school with a sport I love, and the program has given me the chance to grow both on and off the snow. Through training and competitions, I have discovered new connections across the school with other like-minded Snowsports fans who share the same passion. Being part of the team has created a strong sense of community and support, making every event and training session something to look forward too.

Christmas Crossword

Merry Christmas!